Artistic gymnastics primarily involves routines on which types of equipment?

Artistic gymnastics is characterized by its use of various specialized apparatuses that are essential for performing routines. These apparatuses include the floor exercise, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, and uneven bars in women's gymnastics, as well as the high bar. Each piece of equipment is designed to challenge the gymnasts' strength, flexibility, and coordination, and they often perform complex routines that require a combination of acrobatics and artistry.

The emphasis on these various apparatuses is what distinguishes artistic gymnastics from other sports that may involve similar physical abilities but do not utilize the same kinds of specialized equipment. Routines performed on these apparatuses are evaluated based on difficulty, execution, and artistic presentation, making the equipment a crucial part of the sport. This diversity in apparatuses allows gymnasts to showcase their skills in different domains, contributing to the overall appeal and complexity of artistic gymnastics.